EU and UK finalize historic Gibraltar deal

The European Union and the United Kingdom have reached a historic post-Brexit agreement on Gibraltar, ending years of uncertainty over the strategic enclave and paving the way for deeper cooperation across the Spanish-British border.

According to eunews, the agreement ensures no more land border controls, free movement of people and goods, and introduces Schengen rules and customs cooperation, effectively removing what Spanish officials called “the last wall in continental Europe.”

The deal was signed in Brussels by Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares, British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, and Gibraltar Prime Minister Fabian Picardo, with EU Trade Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič acting as mediator.

An estimated 15,000 people cross the Gibraltar border daily, many for work. Under the new agreement, checks will now take place at the port and airport, conducted jointly: Spain will manage Schengen entry for the EU, while Gibraltar will handle UK arrivals.

While sovereignty remains with the UK, non-resident British citizens entering Gibraltar will be subject to Schengen visa limits, meaning those who exceed 90 days in a 180-day period in the EU may be denied entry.

The economic component of the agreement introduces customs alignment, including Gibraltar’s indirect taxation on goods such as tobacco. Officials say this will prevent market distortions and support economic stability in the region.

“This is a practical solution that protects sovereignty, jobs, and prosperity,” said Foreign Secretary Lammy. EU Commissioner Šefčovič hailed the deal as “a new chapter in EU–UK relations” and a major breakthrough for both sides.

The agreement now enters a legal drafting phase before full implementation.